Blackberry Dumplings

8-10 servings servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 1 h 30 m Total: 1 h 45 m Intermediate
5.0/5 (1)
Blackberry Dumplings
This recipe is ideal for summertime gatherings with fresh blackberries simmered into a sweet sauce and tender drop dumplings cooked right in the bubbling fruit. The picture is the base sauce before adding the dumpling.

Ingredients

8-10 servings servings
  • 1 gallon blackberries
  • 4 cups to 5 cups sugar
  • 3 quarts water
  • 1 1/2 cup self rising flour
  • 3 tbsp melted margarine
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 2 tbsp sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Blackberry Sauce: Boil blackberries, sugar and water until water starts to thicken slightly; about 1 to 1 1/2 hours on medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Dumplings: While the blackberries simmer, stir together flour, milk, sugar, melted margarine and beaten eggs until well combined and smooth.
  3. Drop dumpling batter by teaspoons into the hot blackberry liquid. Turn dumplings once when they float to the top and are cooked on one side, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  4. Continue cooking until all dumplings are cooked through and fluffy. If mixture becomes too thick, add water and bring back to a boil until liquid is hot again.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why are my dumplings falling apart in the sauce?

A: Make sure the blackberry liquid is at a rolling boil before dropping in the dumpling batter, and avoid stirring too vigorously once they're in. Let them cook undisturbed until they float and firm up.

Q: How do I know when the dumplings are done?

A: The dumplings will float to the surface and look puffy when cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. They should be firm to the touch, not doughy in the center.

Q: Can I use frozen blackberries?

A: Yes, frozen blackberries work well. No need to thaw them first—just add a few extra minutes to the initial cooking time to account for the frozen berries.

Tips and Techniques

Don’t lift the lid too often while the dumplings cook, as this releases steam and can make them heavy. The dumplings should be light and fluffy when done, similar to a soft biscuit texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • blackberries: blueberries, dewberries, or mixed berries
  • self rising flour: all-purpose flour plus 1 1/2 tsp baking powder and 1/4 tsp salt
  • margarine: butter

Equipment Needed

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon
  • Teaspoon for dropping dumplings

Historical Context

Fruit dumplings are a classic Southern summer dessert, traditionally made when berries were abundant. The technique of cooking dumplings directly in sweetened fruit sauce was a practical way to create a comforting dessert without needing an oven in the hot summer months.